This is a zine dedicated to black metal written by a follower of the left hand path, This zine has been around in a different format for a while and I have decided to make an edition for www.blogger.com, for more information email occultblackmetalzine@yahoo.com, new albums as well as classic albums will be reviewed on here as long as their good quality black metal,

Sunday, October 30, 2011

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
SS: Best way to describe Purgatör... Fucking Bad

2. How would you describe the musical sound of your 7 inch and how it differs from the previos recording?
SS: It's a lot of improvement from the first demo that was more like simple punk rock black heavy metal... Our present sound is more into Heavy Metal than before, and it's going to that direction more and more, but we'll keep the trace of the Darkness with it. The song structures are more interesting and the riffs even more slaying. My personal main influence is the DARKTHRONE of nowadays. Then there's the Metal, that all who are true, Worship.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
SS: There are real messages that people might understand or not! But yeah at least half of it is just being Fucking Bad and Metal... Lightning and fire!

4. What is tehe meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
SS: It's the word Purgatory, but in a nonsense way meaning actually nothing. Same thing with Sadokist (that stand's for sadomasochism). Band name that means nothing and is still defining the musick is REALLY DEFINING the musick!

5. Has the band had any oppurtunities to do live shows and if so how would you describe your stage performance?
SS: Unfortunately not, we always have problems with line-ups and such. It will be just awesome!

6. Are there any plans for a full length album in the futre?
SS: Yes we have planned full-length and we have tons of stuff unfinished and things are often on-hold for many reasons but it will blast the shit out of your ears someday!

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by fans of black/thrash metal?
SS: I don't know

8. Are there any projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
SS: Sadokist

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on futre releases?
SS: Radio sucks. Our stuff is getting better

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
SS: Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden

11. What role does Satanism or Occultism play in your music?
SS: None.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
SS: Cult films, Philosophy, Metal, Velvet, Leather...

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
SS: Thank you very much & I hope you joy for life!

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Mephorash is a Black/Death metal act that is here to bring our dark arts to those around us, either you like it or you don't, It Does not really matter to us.
Our goal is not to be loved by everyone, our goal is to present our visions and goals to those who cross our path.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the e.p?

Our goal with the record was to create a unique sound with very different variables.
We tried to create a new feeling in each song, which together became a great mixture of Pleasure and discomfort at the same time as the final result.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

The lyrical topics with the record was mainly Misanthropic and Morbid.
We tried to show our aspect of what we think and believe.
We have since the release of that CD changed our lyrical theme in the following material, although that is for future release and i will not reveal anything at this time.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The meaning of Mephorash is an Esoteric element, with the goal to spit at Christianity.
The name has it's origin in the name "Shemhamphorash" which is one of gods secret names that under no circumstances shall be uttered,
A variable to that name is "Shem ha-Mephorash" which means "The explicit name".
So every time we utter our name, we spread the name who is not allowed to be spoken.
Although people should Interpret our name as they whish.

5. Has the band had any oppurtunities to do any live shows?

Yes, we have done plenty of live shows here in Sweden, which can be seen on youtube by just searching on our name.
We are planning a European tour in Mars/April with our Brothers on the grom horde, Infest!
Hopefully everything will go as planned and we can contaminate more parts of the world.

6. Currently you are singed to Grom Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that the label has given you so far?

I contacted Grom Records with a goal of collaberating with them.
The Support from Grom has been splendid and hopefully we can work with them in the future.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by fans of black/death metal?

The Feedback has so far been very good, we have had several reviews and they are all very positive.
Hopefully more fans of the Extreme-metal scene will catch up on us and give us their thoughts about us.

8. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?

The main members of Mephorash is working on a Black/Doom project, although that is very secret and i can not tell you anything more about that.
Besides that our main goal and focus is always Mephorash.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

Our direction is strictly heading to a even more serious, brutal and fast sound.
We will start the recording of our next album at the beginning of next year and i assure you, fans of black and death metal will not be dissapointed.
You have only seen the beginning of our pestilence.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

At the beginning we felt a strong influence to bands such as Watain, Marduk, Dissection.
But now we have floated in to our own path instead of treading someone elses ground we have created our own.
The band that we mostly listen to right now must be Nightbringer, great band from the US.
My personal favorite i believe. So be sure to check them out.

11. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism and from where do you find your inspiration from the black arts?

Our view on Satanism and Occultism is very broad, we do not like to call ourself "Satanists" since it is a very, very broad subject.
Occultists would be a much better name since we are interested in all the dark arts and teachings.
Chaos-gnostic satanism although is a very interresting subject and something that we all in the band are close to, Qliphotic arts and necromancy are also a subject which catch our interests

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Learning Occult teachings, collecting bones, learning language and painting.
And of course everything that will give us more dark wisdom.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
This is just the beginning.

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We are promoting our latest CD "Nil Sine Deo"

2. How would you describe the musical sound on the split album and how it
differs from previous releases?

There have been some mistakes by a praevious unqualified sound-technician where he recorded awful drum tracks then we wasted more time because a more incompetent phony wanna be sound-tech promised a good editing and mixing , he did a total desaster instead, so we have to rush all our tracks to a good soundtechnician which did a good job in the end.
The musical sound is still very morbid and this time we used more slow tempos to create more mnorbid atmospheres and sinister melodies is a good combionation of raw violent tracks with a big hint of black melodies.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with
the new release?

Luciferianism within chaos , not only on the monotheistic view of the old contapposition with the church etc, but since we are now facing a new Aeon and a new era (quantum methaphisics is revealing also) we hope to bring voice from the abyss of chaos and the octarine power.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Art of the Macabre

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how
would you describe your stage performance?

Only once in BelgiUm with Negura Bunget,anyway all those concerts out of our country. I cant describe a stage performance since trying to play live here impossible unless you are an asslicker or pay some money. You could never play a decent show, there are no people attending anymore is all a pathetic circus since Black metal trend is over (is good in a way) so those few bands who perform live at least in my country they do it because is just their ego and will to be on a stage and show off, and has nothing to do with a real scene or following, is basically more than often a total waste of time.

6. DO you have any touring plans for the future?

Touring ??? LOL ....sorry you really make me laugh......

7. What is going on with the projects these days?

What projects? we go along with recording new tracks for a full lenght.

8. You have been around since 1998, what is it that motivates you to
creating new black metal after all of these days?

Cause we like it and we feel it inside, is not something we do from age 18 till age 30, is not like a thing you try to do in our life as a game.

9. On a worldwide level how has your newr material been recieved by black
metal fans?

who the fuck know, I dont have really any idea I hope the right people can enjoy it, more than that I dont really care.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Passages with more guitars, more sound soulutions and different atmopspheres ,
use of different sound both on bass and guitars , we basically evolve slowly but we do.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music
and also what are you listening to nowadays?

12. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism and where
do you draw the most inspiration from in the feild of the black arts?

A monotheistic vision is some of the past , the octarine magic and the gnosis of it, is part of chaos magik.The individual is free to use ane of the eight powers from death to lunarn-saturnine ,eros ,thanatos and chaos so applying rituals and invocations...individuals,bands or groups of searchers that focus only on the death aspect which is only a passage are stagnant and static plus I can feel a lot exploitation of those subject since too long.So the bands who are concentrated only on the "satanic" aspect are stale and out of the current of power.....plus they are false rebel.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Painting,aknolowdgement, magical leraning,sex and the right physical activity.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Heresiarch are a band from New Zealand that plays a very bestial form of black/death/war metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Hammer Of Instransigence" which was released by Dark Descent Records.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a great amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine the most brutal elemnets of death metal, bestial black metal and war metal, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very raw and primitive sounding war metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of deep death metal growls and high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover war and hateful thems, as for the prouduction it brings a very raw, primitive, powerful and heavy sound to the music.

In my opinion Heresiarch are a very good raw and primitive sounding bestial black/war/death metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Carnivore" and "Conflagration". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Neige et Noriceur are a band from Canada that has had their previous album reviewed as well as being interviewed by this zine that went into a more raw black metal sound on this recording but still kept elemnets of ambient and drone/doom on this recording and this is a review of their 2011 album "Hymnes de la Montagne Noire" which was released by Sepulchral Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the sound effects and synths when they are they bring a very dark, ambient, avant- garde felling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs mixed in with some influences from ambient and drone/doom inaddition there are some very dark melodies present, and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording, as for the acoustic guitars which are only utilized briefly they use finger picking to add another dimension of darkness to the music.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams, while the lyrics are written in French and cover Occultism, Heritage, and Quebecois History, as for the production it has a very raw, and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Niege et Norieceur and if you where a fan of their previous recordings, you shall enjoy this album as well. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Hymne 2" and "Hymne 5". RECEMMONDED BUY.

De Profundis are a band from Hungary that has been interviewed before by this zzine that plays a very raw, atmospheric and melodic form of black metal and this is a review of their first video Indulj el egy úton... (hivatalos videóklip)" which is a cover of a traditional folk music.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the keyboards and folk instruments give the music a very ancient feeling, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and melodic sounding and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this song.

Vocals range from clean singing male and female vocals mixed in with some high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics are written in Hungarian, as for the production on this video it sounds very powerful.

The Video was filmed in the woods and it goes to a person sitting in the wood, then to darkness where there is a female singing, then back to a person drowning and getting rescues.

In my opinion this is a great video from De Profundis and you should check it out on YouTube. RECEMMONDED.

Friday, October 28, 2011

This is a review of a split album between Ars Macabra from from and Cosmic Ekpyrosis From Italy called "Nil Sine Deo" which was released by Grom Records and we will star of the review with Ars Macabra that plays a very fast, raw and primitive form of black metal.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and on the last song they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with so9me dark sounding melodies being thrown in at times, while the lead guitars which are only utilized briefly are very primitive sounding black metal guitar leads .

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover Chaos, Hatred and Philosophy, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Ars Macabra are a very good sounding raw and primitive black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACK "Breed Of Cain".

Next up is Cosmic Ekpyrosis that plays a very raw, fast, melodic and primitive form of black metal.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive with a good amount of melody being thrown into the music and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly deep black metal growls mixed in with some high pitched screams, while the lyrics cover dark thems, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Cosmic Ekyprosis are a very good raw and primitive black metal band with the best music on this split and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACK "The Devillish Angel:. RECEMMONDED

In my opinion this is a great split album and every black metal fan should check it out. RECEMMONDED BUY.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Mephorash are a band from Sweden that plays a very dark, raw and primitive form of satanic/occult black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Death Awaits" which was released by Grom Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast blasts being thrown into the music, while the sound effects which are used on the intro and outro bring a very dark occult, ritualistic avant garde feeling to the music with some piano being thrown in, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some death metal influences being mixed in, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very dark sounding guitar solos and leads that utilize some melodies.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of deep growls, while the lyrics cover Darkness, Evil, Satanism and Occultism, as for the production it has a very dark raw and primitive sound to it.

In my Opinion Mephorash are a very good raw and primitive sounding satanic/occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Black Path" and "Death Awakens". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Atrum Inritus are a band from Minnesota that plays a very dark, atmospheric form of occult black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Prognatus In Vorago" which was released by Altar Of The Dead Productions.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown, while the keyboards when they are utilized bring a very dark, occult and avant garde edge to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that have a depressive edge at times with a good amount of dark sounding melodies being thrown in at times, while the lead guitars are very dark sounding black metal guitar leads.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover darkness, occultism and philosophy, as for the production it has a very dark and heavy edge without being either under produced or over produced.

In my opinion Atrum Inritus are a very good occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Chains That Bind" "Sacramentum Ereuntium" and "Ancint Queen" which is an Emperor cover. RECEMMONDED BUY.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Achral Necrosis are a band from Lavetta, Colorado that plays a very dark and atmospheric form and this is a review of their song "Buried In Black Ice".

Drums range from slow to midpaced drumming with some fast playing and blast beats, while keyboards are very dark and atmospheric sounding, as for the bass playing on this strong it has a very strong and powerful sound to it.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast black metal riffing that utilizes a good amount of skill and a small amont of clean playing while the guitar solo has a melodic sound to it

Vocals are a mixture of grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief spoken word passage, as for the prouduction on this song it has a very dark and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is a very good song from Achral Necrosis which shows alot of improvement since I saw them live 3 years ago and looking forward to hear some more of their newer material. RECEMMONDED.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

NunFuckRitual are a band from Norway with one member that lives in New York that play I style I would describe as being occultic anti christian black metal with a doom metal edge and this is a review of their 2011 album "In Bondage To The Serpent" which was released by Dember Morti Productions.

Drums are mostly slow to mid paced drumming with only a brief use of fast playing and blast beats, while the bass playing has a very strong, powerful and distorted sound to it, as for the synths which are only utilized briefly on one song they bring a very dark and evil sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars are mostly slow to mid paced black metal and only a small amount of fast riffs that have a doom metal edge along with some dark sounding melodies while the lead guitars are very dark sounding guitar leads when they are utilized.

Vocals are mostly high pitched and grim sonding black metal screams and growls mixed in with some mournful sounding cries as well as a brief use of a spoken word passage, while the lyrics cover Occult and Anti Christian themes, as for the production it has a very strong, dark and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion NunFuckRitual are a very good occutl/anti christian black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Komado Dragon Mother Queen" and "In Bondage To The Serpent". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Nine Covens are a band from Enland that consists of many veterans of the black metal scene that choose to hide their names hidden that play a style that I would describe as being raw and primitive form of occult black metal metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "On The Coming Of Darkness" which was released by Candlelight Records.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and on one song they sound very powerful bringing a gothic/death rock feeling to the music..

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs that also have a doom metal feeling at times as well as some punk/thrash style being thrown in briefly with some dark sounding melodies, while the lead guitars which are only utilized briefly have a very dark and distorted sound to them as for the classical guitars which are only utilized briefly they use finger picking to add another dimension of darkness to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times and on one song there is a spoken word passage done by Grutle from Enslaved in addition there is a brief use of clean singing being utilized on one song , while the lyrics cover Occultism and Darkness with the album having 3 differnt concepts, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it without being too under produced.

In my opinion Nine Covens are a very good dark, raw and primitive sounding black metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "On The Resurrection And The Harrowing Of Hell Part 2" "On The Ascension And The Torment Of Hell Part 1:Cold Exile Of A Fallen Idol" "On The Day Of Jedgement Part 1:Quake Before The Earthly Judge" and "The Exiles Complaint Part 2: A Mind Sorrows Rest". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Blut Aus Nord are a band from France that has a couple of theire albums reviewed as well as being interviewed by this zine with a music style that I would describe as being experimental occult avant-garde black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "777 The Descantifacation" which is a follow up to the previous recording and continues the concept of that album and was also released by Debember Morti Productions.

Drum programming mostly concetrates on slow and midpaced beats, while the keyboards and electronics bring a very dark, depressive experimental avant-garde edge to the music with the last song having a trip hop feeling, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars are all slow to midpaced avant-garde black metal riffs that utilize alot of weird sounding distortion effects along with some clean playing that makes the music sound more psychedelic and exotic sounding that make the music more experimental while the lead guitars are very dark, melodic and depressive black metal guitar leads mixed in with some influences from other forms of music.

Vocals are mostly deep and grim sounding black metal screams with some ocassional clean singing, while the lyrics cover Mysticism, Philosophy, Individualism as well as some Aliester Crowley type caballistic themes, as for the production it has a very dark tone without sounding too raw, primitive, over produced or under produced.

In my opinion this is another great album from Blut Aus Nord and if you are a fan of their previous releases, you will not be dissapointed. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Epitome VII" "Epitome X" and "Epitome XIII". RECEMMONDED BUY.

1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

A: Not a whole lot has been going on since the release of "The Light That Dwells in Rotten Wood." We've played a few shows, though we haven't toured in support of the album whatsoever. I spent some time canoeing the Allagash River in the north woods of Maine, and as I type this Ray and I are visiting our friends Austin and Bekah Lunn in Norway. We're spending a few weeks here in Norway, then moving on to Sweden for a week and stopping in Iceland for a week on our return journey. A much needed break from our daily routines back home.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

A: I can't say I feel entirely comfortable describing the sound of our music. I guess it's black metal if you're not too orthodox with your definition of black metal. We play folk influenced music as well. We tend to alternate between styles largely because when we play live we don't have extra musicians to play "folk" instruments while we play the "metal" instruments. There are only four of us.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new album explores?

A: There's an underlying theme, but no specific topic or concept that flows in any sequence. The lyrics are roughly my thoughts on the relationship between mankind and the natural world in the present day, written from differing angles and perspectives. They're not all from my point of view or opinion. Really they're not too metaphorical or veiled. All of the lyrics to the new record are posted on our blog and in the liner notes for the CD; I think they are rather self-explanatory.

4. Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows yet and if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

A: As of the summer of 2010 we've had a line-up that is able to perform live and we've played a good number of shows, though no extensive tours. We participated in two mini-tours with Seidr, one of them with All in the Merry Month of May and another with Lake of Blood. Both were amazing experiences in that we formed lasting friendships with all the folks we traveled with. This September we played a couple shows in New England with Thou / Wolves in the Throne Room which both took place outdoors under a near-full moon. Those stood out as particularly great experiences whether or not we played well. We got to hang out again with some great folks in Vermont at Dead End Farm and of course at the Maine show we were just with all our old friends.

5. Are there any touring plans for the new release?

A: Nothing that would qualify as "plans" but yes.. we will do some sort of touring for the album eventually. Where we'll play is beyond me, but it will happen. My guess would be a small tour or two; nothing major.

6. I read on the Metal Archives page that Anarchy is one the topics that the band rights about, how would you describe your views on this topic since it is not something you see a lot of in the black metal scene?

A: I'm not going to speak for anyone else in the band, but anarchy to me is nothing chaotic or violent but a very organic form of natural order in the world. Human beings are not only capable of thriving in "anarchic" social structures but have existed that way successfully for the VAST majority of our time on this planet. It's the way of all rivers, lakes, and oceans. All forests and all mountains, all flora and fauna. We are neither separate from nor above any of Earth's inhabitants and the popular myth of ascendancy through systematically controlling and destroying this planet leaves little room for faith in man-made "systems" or the necessity of the few governing the many. We're killing our landbase and we're killing each other and much of this stems from our unwillingness to take responsibility into our own hands. Apologies for the pseudo-poetic obnoxious ranting but I think it answers the question well enough.

7. I know that the band lives in Maine what kind of influence does that have on the music since you are not surrounded by a lot of big cities and I am sure there is plenty of nature out there?

A: Everyone in the current line-up of the band has essentially lived in Maine for their whole life. It's an indescribably beautiful state with the Appalachian mountains populating the western region and miles upon miles of rocky Atlantic coastline to the east. The north woods are rather breathtaking and a truly spiritual experience to visit. A lot of inspiration for this music has come from various trips to the Maine wilderness but certainly not all of it derives from that. We currently live in Portland which is Maine's largest city (very small city, mind you… more of a big town) so there's an element of despair and frustration that stems from modernity and "city" life; the sort of alienation so many of us have become accustomed to and accept as the human condition.

8. I have noticed that in the past your older albums were available for download on Myspace for free, a lot of bands are against it for some reasons but do you feel that it expands the bands audience?

A: Honestly, while we no longer have a myspace account, we had those early recordings posted for free because we really don't like them very much. They are worth giving out for free to those who wish to hear it but we're not comfortable charging money for any of it. I'm not sure what happened to those links since we deleted our page but we certainly approve of downloading that early stuff if you wish to hear what Ray and I sounded like years ago, without any attempt to really write songs or practice parts. The lack of direction was somewhat enjoyable for us, however, and it sowed the seeds for what we hope will be a better future. Maybe one day we'll write some music that we can stand hearing!

9. On a worldwide level how has your new album been received by black/folk/dark metal fans?

A: I don't really know. Somewhat well? We've obviously gotten a mixture of reviews and everybody has their own taste. I think some people have had a strong emotional response to it and that's all we can hope for. Others not so much, and that's to be expected. Outside of writing music to fulfill our own creative needs we really just hope to connect with people on some emotional and primal level. If it hasn't worked yet I suppose we'll keep trying.

10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

A: It's hard to tell at this juncture. We're working on a couple songs for a split LP which will be in a somewhat similar style to our music of the recent past. In terms of the next full-length a lot of the riffs I've been coming up with have been very depressing and melancholic but mostly folk / acoustic oriented. Don't take that as "depressive black metal" or whatever, it's just predominantly sad sounding. As it's shaping up now much of it is very slow and almost doomy but come time for song composition / full band rehearsals this could change completely. I really don't know how it will sound. Different from our other material I hope.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

A: Everybody involved with this band has their own taste as well as a lot of common ground. Artists I feel we all share a love for would be Enslaved, Emperor, Ulver and such. Personally I've been listening to a lot of stuff like Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt, old Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty and the like, as well as a lot of NWOBHM and old heavy metal stuff. Other favorites of mine that are always in rotation would be Bathory, Songs: Ohia, Manilla Road, Darkthrone, etc. I've also recently rediscovered my love for good death metal which has become so scarce these days. You know… Immolation, early Cryptopsy, Suffocation, Death, Bolt Thrower. I'm going to stop now.

12. Does Paganism or Occultism play any role in the music and if so how would you describe your views on these topics?

A: As much as I love old black metal and death metal, occultism has no role in our music whatsoever. I can appreciate it on an aesthetic level and it translates to some pretty amazing music but that's where my relationship with occultism ends. Paganism I can get behind but I'm not really pagan in any traditional or formal way. I share a lot of similar views and spiritual tendencies but I would be lying if I told you I was deeply involved with paganism or the ritual practices that go with it. This applies to the rest of the band as well, unless there's something I don't know.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

A: Nothing of much interest to tell. I find some sort of peace in camping and hiking. I read quite a bit but I don't feel the need to have my face buried in a book for thirty hours a day in search of enlightenment or a higher plane of existence. Biking is pretty great as it enables me to escape Portland and explore the surrounding area. That doesn't quite sum it up but I think I've bored you enough.

Monday, October 24, 2011

This is a review of a 7 inch with 2 bands DungeonHammer from France/Netherlands and Purgator from Finland which was released in 2011 in the year of 2011 and we will start off with DungeonHammer which plays a mixture of 80's style black metal, doom metal, punk and thrash.

Drums are mostly slow to midpaced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to midpaced riffing that combines 80's style black metal with doom, thrash and punk, while the lead guitars are very primitive sounding 80's underground metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly Tom G Warrior styles and grunts, while the lyrics cover dark and occultic themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great 7 inch from DungeonHammer and if you are a fan of 80's style black/thrash/doom metal with a punk edge, you should check this out. RECEMMONDED TRACK "Primal Blasphemies".

Now we will review Purgator from Finland that plays a mixture of black, thrash and war metal.

Drums range from midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats thrown in, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from midpaced to fast riffing that combines elements of black, thrash and war metal, while the lead guitars are very raw, chaotic and primitive sounding 80's style underground metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams and 80's black/thrash style growls, while the lyrics cover Graveyars, The Devil and Heavy Metal, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Purgator are a very good black/thrash/war metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECEMMONDED TRACK "Graveyard Noise.

In my opinion this is a great 7 inch and if you are a fan of black/thrash , you should get this 7 inch. RECEMMONDED BUY.

Rex Mundi are a band from France that plays a very occult form of black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "IHVH" which was released by Debmbr Morti Productions.

Drums range from slow to midpaced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the synths which are only used briefly they bring a very dark and avant garde to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with an avant garde edge at times as well as some ocassional thrash and death metal style riffing and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in at times as well as a brief spoken word part being utilized on one song, while the lyrics cover Occultism and the Caballa, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sounding without being too under produced.

In my opinion Rex Mundi are a very good occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this group. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Naphtali" "Pious Angels (Sefer Seraphim" and "Raising My Temples". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Archgoat are a band from Finland that has had their previous album reviewed in this zine that plays a mixture of black, goat and death metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Heavenly Vulva(Christ's Last Rites)" which was released by Debember Morti Productions.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast black/goat/death metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very primitive and chaotic sounding black/death metal solos and leads

Vocals are mostly deep black/goat/death metal growls and vomits, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism, Anti Christianity and Darkness, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Archgoat and if you are a fan of this band, you will not be dissapointed. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Goddess Of The Abyss Of Graves" and "Passage To Milennial Darkness". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Maax are a band from Indiana that has had their previous albums revewed as well as being interviewed by this zine that started out as being pure black metal but has evolved into a more black/thrash metal band over the years and this is a review of their 2011 album "Unholy Rock'n'Roll which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them..

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffs that combine black metal with thrash and speed metal along with some ocassional riffing that has a more traditional metal/rock feeling to them as well as some clean playing being utilized briefly on one song, while the lead guitars are very chaotic 80's underground metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams, deep growls and early 80's black/thrash metal type of singing as well as some ocassional gang shouting and samples being used briefly, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Luciferian, Occultism, Anti Christianity rock'n'roll and thrash, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive 80's extreme metal sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Maax and if you enjoyed there last recording, you should enjoy this album. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Coldest Steel" "Unholy Rock'n'Roll" "Do What Thou Wilt" and "Black Thrash Em All". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Astrofaes are a band from Ukraine that plays a very atmospheric and pagan form of black metal and this is a review of their 1998 album "Dying Emotions Domain" which was re-issued by Negative Existence Records in 2011.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the keyboards have a very dark and atmospheric sound to them, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a ver powerful sound to them, in addition there is a brief use of a flute being utilized on a song that brings a very dark pagan feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast pagan/black metal riffs that are very raw and epic sounding with some ocassional thrash style riffing being used at times, while the lead guitars are very primitive, epic and melodic sounding black metal guitar solos or leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some clean singing pagan vocals being used on one song as well as some spoken word passages being used in the same song, while the lyrics cover Slavic Paganism, Darkness, Nature and Nationalism, as for the production it has a very heavy dark, and somewhat raw sound to it.

In my opinion Astrofaes are a very great sounding atmospheric pagan/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Fiery Mysticism" "Path To Burning Space" and "Dying Emotions Domain". RECEMMENDED BUY.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Ptahil are a band from Fort Wayne, Indiana that plays a very satanic and occultic form of black metal mixed in with some doom metal and punk influences and this is a review of their 2011 album "For His Satanic Majesty's Glory" which was released by Wraith Productions.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the synths when they are utilized briefly bring a very dark and occultic avant garde edge to the music as well as a brief use of church bells being used on one song, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast black metal riffs that also combine elements of punk rock and doom metal with some dark melodies as well as some ocassional thrash/traditional metal style riffing being thrown in at times, while the lead guitars when they are utilized they are dark rock sounding leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some hardcore punk style shouts as well as some ritualistic samples in addition there are some deep growls and ritualistic clean singing being utilized on a couple of songs, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Gnosticism, Occultism and the Darker side of the Caballa, as for the production it has a very dark and heavy feeling to it and it is neither too raw or over produced.

In my opinion Ptahil are a very good satanic/occultic black metal with a punk rock and doom metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Great Satan" "Lilitu" "Deathwish' and "The Gate To The Kliphotic Anti-World". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Friday, October 7, 2011

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the project these days?1. At the moment I'm collecting inspiration for the new album that I want to record in the winter

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
2. Each album sounds different and has his own concept

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects that you explore with the new recording?
3. I am working on the new album but still can not say anything concrete

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
4. "Brocken" is a nature reserve in the Hartz Mountain and also known as witches and "Moon" stands for the moon

5. You have a history that goes back to the mid 90's but remain very undergound, what motivates you to keep going on for a long time?
5. a negative thought to waste noticeably

6. Are there any current side projects or is Brocken moon full time?
6. Only Brocken Moon

7. Currently you are singed to Black Metal Mafia Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
7. Black Metal Mafia Records was founded my own label for Brocken Moon. All albums except Mondfinsternis and the first edition have been published by Das Märchen vom Schnee by Northern Silence, which is also the current label. Black Metal Mafia Records is indefinitely put on ice, which I can fully concentrate on Brocken Moon

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by black metal fans?
8. Northern Silence has broad distribution channels, ranging up to foreign countries

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
9. I do not know, it will remain bleak, cold and dark

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
10. have inspired me Mayhem, Burzum and Mysticum and many more

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play a role in your music and if so how would you describe your views on this topic?
11. Lyrically, not whether the music is occult or can not decide for yourself every supporter.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
12. listening to music, making music, this is my hobby

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Danke für das interview
http://www.northern-silenhttp:/
/www.myspace.com/brockenmoonce.de/
brocken-moon@gmx.net
Greetings
Brocken Moon

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
The band formed roughly in 2009. I began writing 'Orbis Tertius' shortly after the bassist introduced me to Balan of Palace of Worms and the three of us agreed to embark on the project. Although the music we create is closest to black metal in form and aesthetic, we attempt to venture into the atypical.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?
Musically, 'Orbis Tertius' is very much an homage to early/mid-90's atmospheric black metal and death/doom. The compositions focus on musical dynamic and diversity without wandering too far from traditional aesthetics. Furthermore, I am particularly averse to the increasingly flat and sterile sound of modern metal (and music in general), therefore part of the goal was to create an album that was above all else organic and unprocessed.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Lyrically, 'Orbis Tertius' deals with themes of sadness, power and hatred loosely connected with traditional occult symbolism. However it should be mentioned that all the occult references in the album are nothing more than symbols, an allegorical mythology to depict the decline of human civilization.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
The band's name was inspired by the Ordo Templi Orientis, an occult sect established by Aleister Crowley. Since the line-up for the band was initially unstable (as I was living on the opposite coast from the rest of the band), Ordo Obsidium was meant to express a changing order of musicians dedicated to unified musical goal and worldview. True to the name's original intent, there are a number of line-up changes currently taking place.

5. Has the band had any oppurtunities to do any live shows yet, if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
The band has not performed live as of yet. As I mentioned, for the first year of the band's existence, I resided on the opposite coast as the rest of the band. Therefore, the rehearsals for "Orbis Tertius" were geared solely toward the recording of the album. However, now that have I moved back we are intending to do a limited number of live shows in the future.

6. I have noticed that there is not much information about the band online, is that intentional and do you prefer being underground?
Mystery has always been a key to the power of black metal, the information age has more or less ruined that. Therefore, I make a conscious effort not publish information about the band beyond what is necessary.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans that have heard your music so far?
Well, to follow from the previous question, not many people have heard the release other than close friends, fellow musicians and people associated with labels. Those who have heard it have all responded positively, which has been very encouraging as they are all people I hold respect for. Interestingly, no one seems to agree on which are the strongest songs on the album, which I suppose is good since it implies a diverse range of qualities across the album.

8. Are there any projects besides this band or is it a full time line-up?
This band is my priority, although I am working on a few other things. Balan's main project is Palace of Worms. The bassist works in a slightly different capacity to support the efforts of the underground.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
The second and final Ordo Obsidium album is completely written and is a significant departure from the material on 'Orbis Tertius.' Where the debut is largely nostalgic, the new album focuses on innovation, and crystalizes the most unique qualities of the debut to create something very different.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
As I implied before, I hold a very deep admiration of the experimentation occurring in Europe in the mid-90's. Weirder black metal bands like Ved Buens Ende, Forgotten Woods, Kvist, Negelfar, and In the Woods are the most interesting to me since they expressed a penchant for ambitious experimentation without defiling the genre's original aesthetic. Furthermore, death/doom like (early) Katatonia, Thergothon, Mournful Congregation and (early) Paradise Lost also hold a very important place in my heart. That being said, myself and the rest of the band listen to a very wide spectrum of music (metal and non-metal), all of which influence us in a multitude of nebulous ways.

11. Does Occultism play a role in your music and if so how would you describe your views on this topic?
Revisiting what I said before, to me occultism is nothing more than an allegorical mythology. A symbolism particularly apt at capturing the themes present in my music.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Predominantly books and film, tools that can be used to express truth, individuality and dissent from the swinish multitude.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for the interest and the support. I can only hope that our music will help inspire the intelligent to crush the growing falsehood and ignorance in the underground, however I am not overly optimistic.

It comes from the title of the second track of our first EP 'Astride Over the Grave'. You could say that its a nihilistic world view compressed into one word. The idea that life is determined by death from its beginning to its end. Every thing and tought is to be valued against the absolute negativity of death.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?

Of course the gig in a such big Festival as Nummirock 2010 was important for a young band like Graveborne. The shows are performed in a sort of biltzkrieg tactic by keeping the breaks and talks between the songs as few and short as possible, and playing and performing the songs really aggressively and often in more faster tempos than on the recordings.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release

There are no touring plans this far, only sporadic gigs here in Finland.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by black metal fans?

The hard thing is to get the attention as there are millions of black metal bands out there today. But when we has managed to get it the reception has usually been quite positive.

8. The new album came out on Nykta, how did you get in contact with
this label and how would you describe the support that they have given
you so far?

The contact was established the traditional way by mailing our promo package. Considering that Nykta is a small underground label it has served us well. They are very enthusiastic about the release of our debut album 'Pure Negativity' and they have done their best in every respect.

9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

The early work of such Scandinavian bands as Immortal, Dark Funeral, Marduk, Mayhem, Emperor, etc. are of course important for us as they have laid the foundation to the part of the genre we are attached to, but our musical taste is not restricted to black metal. I, for example, personally listen a lot to 70s progressive rock and jazz, and I even listen to some classical music. However, this does not mean that I would want to mix this stuff into the kind of black metal Graveborne stands for.

10. What role does Satanism and Occultism play in your music and how
would you describe your views on these topics?

I can only speak for myself but I believe that we are all more or less atheists in the band. The other members may have a slightly different view, but for me Satan is, on the one hand, Lucifer and Prometheus: an archetype of rebellion and free thinking. On the other hand, Satan is the Lord of Darkness, Evil, Destruction and Death: a figure, metaphor, or symbol of the force of negativity. Of course, you might ask why I speak of Satan if I am an atheist? To me its simply a question of motifs, themes and metaphors that comes with to the genre. This might not be "true" enough for some purist loosers. But at least I am true to myself.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

We all have our daily duties outside music business working or studying, so besides music there are not much time to do anything else.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Go listen to the sample of 'Pure Negativity' at our site: www.graveborne.com. If you like it buy the cd and support the black metal undergound!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Nocturnal Blood are a one man band from California that plays a very raw and primitive form of black/death/war metal and this is a review of their 2010 album "Devastated Graves-The Morbid CelebratioN" which was released by Hellsheadbangers.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very darkl tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffing that combines the most dark, raw and primitves forms of black, death and war metal together in addition there is a thrash style riff being used on one song, while the lead guitars are very distorted sounding black/death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly deep and evil sounding black/death/war metal growls with a brief use of high pitched screams being used on a couple of songs as well as a brief use of whispered vocals, while the lyrics cover death, graves, rituals and occultism, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Nocturnal Blood are a very good raw and primitive soung black/death/war metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Death Calls" "Ritual Lust" and "Triumph Of Impurity". RECEMMONDED BUY.